Japan’s Ministry of Education is preparing a major reform that will change how universities are evaluated. Instead of judging institutions only by entrance exam scores or brand reputation, the new system will highlight the real quality of education at the faculty and department level.
Currently, accreditation labels universities simply as “compliant” or “non-compliant.” This binary system offers little guidance for students choosing where to study. The upcoming reform introduces three to four rating levels, focusing on whether faculties meet legal standards, deliver strong teaching practices, and demonstrate measurable student growth. In professional fields such as medicine, nursing, or law, exam success and employment outcomes will also be considered.
Universities will be reviewed every six years, with results published in a clear and accessible format. Financial management will play a smaller role, while teaching quality and student outcomes become the main criteria.
This change comes at a critical time: Japan’s student population is shrinking, and by 2035 the number of university entrants is expected to drop to around 590,000. With fewer applicants, universities must prove their educational value to survive. The new evaluation system aims to make university choice more transparent, helping students—both domestic and international—select programs based on real educational results, not just entrance exam difficulty.
(Source: Nikkei, January 20, 2026)
Global University in Japan view:
Evaluating universities at the faculty and department level can be a powerful tool for students when choosing where to study. Instead of relying only on the reputation of the entire institution, applicants gain clearer insight into the actual quality of education offered in each program.
That is why the Global University in Japan website also provides reviews by department rather than by university as a whole. This approach helps prospective students—especially international applicants—make better decisions based on the strengths of individual faculties, not just overall brand image or entrance exam scores.
When Japan’s new accreditation system is fully established, the Ministry of Education is expected to share these evaluations not only with Japanese students but also in a way that is clear and accessible to international students. This transparency will make Japan more attractive to talented students from around the world. Of course, the Global University in Japan platform will contribute to this.
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